Brampton recognizes those working to remove accessibility barriers
Published June 3, 2021 at 7:41 pm
The City of Brampton announced the winners of its 2021 Accessibility Awards during National AccessAbility Week.
The individuals and organizations recognized have demonstrated a commitment to accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, and are working to benefit the Brampton community.
The accessibility champions were recognized at Wednesday’s Brampton City Council meeting.
Michelle McLeod – Community Member category
McLeod helps clients develop recreational, leisure and life skills in order to integrate meaningfully into the community and help clients become independent. She advocates for them and aims to improve their quality of life.
McLeod is recognized for preventing and removing barriers; accommodating persons with disabilities; providing employment support for persons with disabilities; providing exemplary customer service; and providing assistance with independent living.
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Kerry’s Place Autism Services – Community Organization or Not-For-Profit category
Kerry’s Place Autism Services has continued to enhance its services and supports for the Brampton community, specifically focusing on increasing accessibility for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including removing barriers such as participation in recreational settings.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerry’s Place incorporated many accommodations to maintain community participation in a safe and meaningful way.
The organization is recognized for preventing and removing barriers; accommodating persons with disabilities; acting as an accessibility ambassador; providing employment support for persons with disabilities; providing exemplary customer service; and providing assistance with independent living.
CSR Wealth Management – Brampton Business category
Frank Gasper is a financial advisor specializing in Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs). He is recognized for accommodating people with disabilities and providing exemplary accessible customer service.
Gasper has reached out to many people, held sessions to bring awareness, and strives to give people with disabilities better opportunities by dedicating himself to working with each individual to create and customize a profile that will ensure a financially-stable future.
EMBRACE – Accessibility Program/Initiative category
Michelle Buckland founded EMBRACE in 2010 to bring out the best in people so they can embrace their abilities and gifts and to inspire them to reach their goals through personal and professional development, accessibility integration, and impactful speeches.
Buckland is devoted to being an ambassador and advocate, and her motto is “The only limitations we have in lifelong learning are the ones that we consciously set.”
She is recognized for preventing and removing barriers; accommodating people with disabilities; and providing employment support for persons with disabilities.
“As a member of the City of Brampton’s and Region of Peel’s Accessibility Advisory committees, I am continually proud of the work Bramptonians are doing to make our community more accessible and inclusive for all,” said Pat Fortini, regional councillor wards 7 and 8. “These award winners are champions of diversity and their work is making a difference in our city. By continuing to work together, we can make Brampton more accessible for people of all abilities.”
The City of Brampton has dedicated itself to identifying opportunities to increase accessibility and a strong sense of belonging for all across its diverse community. Established in 2018, the Accessibility Awards highlight achievements and contributions made by accessibility champions who are preventing and removing barriers, accommodating persons with disabilities, acting as an accessibility ambassador, providing employment support for persons with disabilities, providing exemplary accessible customer service, providing assistance for independent living and, new this year, for accessible programs or initiatives.
For more information on the Accessibility Awards or to learn more about the winners, visit www.brampton.ca.
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